Maryland Gerald

Maryland Gerald, daughter of James & Erma (Cooley) Hopper was born, June 25, 1933 in Bakersfield, California and departed this life on Thursday, December 17, 2015, in the Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri at 82 years of age.
Maryland spent her early years in Bakersfield, California then moved to Mountain Grove, Missouri at the age of twelve. She attended school at Denlow through the eighth grade and then graduated from Mountain Grove High School in 1951. Shortly after high school, she moved to Wichita, Kansas and was employed with Bell Telephone as an operator until 1958.

She was united in marriage to Robert Bobby Gerald on July 6, 1958 in Dewey, Oklahoma. Three daughters were born to this union. They made their home in Thomaston, Georgia for thirteen years before relocating to Mountain Grove, Missouri where they continued to live for the remaining years of their lives.

Maryland was employed and retired from Brown Shoe Company after over twenty-five years of service. After retirement, she worked part time at Burrell Health Center.

Maryland was an avid reader, with mysteries being her favorite. Her other favorite pastime was visiting with family and friends. Whether it was attending church at Little Zion Baptist; where she was a member for many years; attending the ladys group, Chitter Chatters, her MGHS graduating class gatherings, or any function with family; from birthdays, holidays, graduations, to reunions; nothing was more important to her than her love of family, friends, and God.

Besides her parents and loving husband, one sister, Rickie Gaddis, preceded her in death.

Maryland is survived by her daughters, Tracey Todd, and her husband, Tom of Mountain Grove, Kendal Gerald of Ozark, Missouri, and Shenan Breeding and her husband, Michael of St. Louis, Missouri. Two brothers: Wally Hopper and wife, Donna, James Hopper and wife, Sharon, two sisters, Cheryl Womack and husband, Don, and Michelle Lietch and husband, Kenny. Eight grandchildren: Logan Stoddard and wife, Dani, Lucas Stoddard, Alison Flippin and husband, Ryan, Kyle Todd, Malachi Gerald, Will, Jack, and Emma Breeding. Four great grandchildren: Sean Todd, Cheylea Pamperien and (arriving soon) Haden James Stoddard and Christian Matthew Flippin; and many other relatives and friends who will miss her greatly.


Visitation: Monday, December 21, 2015, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Craig-Hurtt Chapel.

Funeral Service:
Tuesday, December 22, 2015, at 10:00 AM at Little Zion Baptist Church, Denlow, Missouri.

Burial: Denlow Cemetery

Memorial Contributions: Little Zion Baptist Church, Denlow Cemetery or Leukemia & Lymphoma Society c/o the funeral home.